Comparative Analysis of Federal Food Programs

Objective

This report examines the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs’ landscape; highlighting considerable shifts in participation rates, expenditure trends, and strategic policy adjustments over the 2023 fiscal year (FY).

Results

In FY 2023, the FNS programs witnessed a notable decrease in total expenditure to $152.9B, down from $183.0B in the previous FY, potentially signaling tapering of pandemic-induced emergency support measures. Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experienced a slight increase, by 1.1 million/ month on average compared to FY 2022. However, the total SNAP expenditure dropped by 6.6B; hypothetically indicating the fading impact of emergency allotments. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), experienced a slight increase in participation rate of almost 6.4 million from 6.3 million as well in total expenditure to $6.7B from $5.7B in FY 2022. In continuation from the previous year, the comprehensive support provided in FY 2023, through the NSLP (National School Lunch Program), SBP (School Breakfast Program), CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), and SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) programs, reported a combined total expenditure of $28.43B. However, this indicates a decline from $33.6B in FY 2022. The reduction in Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program expenditure to $13.69B from $17.9B in FY 2022, further illustrates potential transition towards pre-pandemic operational levels and diminishing reliance on emergency interventions.

Conclusions

This report could be the result of adaptive strategies employed by USDA in FY 2023 to navigate the evolving economic landscape. The detailed analysis provides insights into the shifting dynamics of food and nutrition assistance programs, marking a critical step towards recovery, resilience, and strategic realignment of resources in the post-pandemic era.

Funding

None